We are currently putting together an "official" doctrinal statement (or "Statement of Faith) detailing our beliefs and positions on certain doctrines. Until this is complete The Berean Radio Networks Statement of Faith may be referenced.
Please click here to read.
***Just added, see also the Hannah's Creek Baptist Church doctrinal statement.
7-17-08 Update!
I have recently added the "Concerning Prophecy" portion on our statement of faith... enjoy, and let us know of any comments you might have.
Concerning Salvation…
Because of Adams sin, all that would come after him are born in a state
of sin. Adam, being created at a mature age, was created with his seed
in him. Thus the affect of sin upon him passed upon all his seed that
was within him. Sin brought into the world death and this death passed
upon Adam and his seed (that would come after him). This concept is
known as “original sin”.
Everyone born into this world is born with this sin nature and thus
effectively guilty of Adam’s sin. Thus a man is in need of a Savior, a
means by which he may be absolved of original sin as well as his own
offences against the law of God.
We believe that this salvation offered is “by grace alone through faith
alone because of Christ alone”. Thus salvation is a free gift solely by
the equation mentioned above. No amount of good works, deeds or keeping
of rules can assist in applying the righteousness of Christ to the
believer nor can good works, deeds or the keeping of rules augment the
righteousness of Christ already applied to a believer (after Salvation
or saving faith). This “born-again”, “saved” or “new creature” in Christ
stands justified before God solely on the basis of Christ’s perfect
life, atoning death and resurrection being imputed to the believer (or
“put onto” the believers account).
No one can come to Christ, or would even think about coming to Him apart
from the drawing of the Holy Spirit of God. This draws attention to the
responsibility and accountability of living believers to share the
Gospel (which itself is the only power of God unto salvation) with every
person because the Gospel is the “vehicle” by which God has chosen to
draw men unto Himself. Thus we believe that the preaching of the Gospel
itself is the means that the Holy Spirit uses to draw men.
Once the Holy Spirit pricks the heart of the unbeliever, at THAT moment
the person, via the Holy Spirit, has the ability to make a real choice
concerning salvation, a choice he could not otherwise have outside the
wooing of the Holy Spirit. This choice presented is an “option” to turn
from sin and self and put trust in Christ’s finished work upon the cross
that paid the debt on all sin or to continue in his own way.
Faith Alone = Salvation = The Righteousness of Christ imputed (credited)
to the Believer = Eternal Security
The result of saving faith in Christ is an Eternally secure relationship
with God (because of imputation). Eternally secure because the only
basis for justification in scripture is faith. The resulting
righteousness that is then applied to the believer rests solely in the
finished work of Christ.
Concerning Prophecy …
At Keeping it Simple our stance on prophecy is simple. When dealing with prophecy there are issues that are very clear and some not so clear. We acknowledge that there are many different views and opinions on prophetic issues (past and present). We also realize that on many subjects (such as the timing of the Rapture) there is much disagreement and scripture is not as clear on the subject as some would posit. However, we must point out that some events yet to happen (and some that have already happened) are so plainly spelled out in scripture that denying or twisting them is dishonest and is in need of rebuke.
The physical (bodily) return of Christ to earth from “heaven” is a prophetic issue or doctrine that is one such issue that is so plainly taught that it would be heretical to teach otherwise. However, competing views on the timing of the “Rapture” of the Church (pre-, mid- or post Tribulation, and/or “split” Rapture) are legitimate debates among believers. There is good evidence for all four views and we will not part fellowship with anyone claiming the name of Christ merely based on a different view of this particular point (and those like it).
Concerning the Rapture and the Second Coming…
As the “founder” of Keeping it Simple I will be sharing my view (and thus KISM’s “official” view) of the Rapture and Seconding Coming; however, I must note that my view of the timing of the Rapture differs from that of other members and associates of this Ministry. Thus this part of our statement will be more personal than the other portions. This statement is also not meant to be an exhaustive treatment of this subject answering all objections and criticisms.
My position is that Jesus Christ will physically return for His Church at a time appointed by the Father. I do not hold to a “pre-“ or “mid-“ tribulation timing of the Rapture. I also do not accept a “split” Rapture view. I believe that the Saints will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air at His bodily return and forever they will be with Him. Here are the scriptural reasons for this view.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:1, Paul states, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him”. Here Paul groups the “coming of our Lord Jesus” and “our gather together unto him” into one event. (Some have sought to say here that the Pre-Trib Rapture and the Bodily return encompass the Second Coming; however, I see no reason from these and the following verses to logically draw that conclusion.) We also see that in verses 2 and 3 of that same chapter that the day of his coming and our gathering shall not precede the revealing of the “man of sin” (aka, the “Anti-Christ”). Verse 8 goes on to say, “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming”. Thus we see 3 characteristics of His coming from these verses. First, He is indeed coming; second, we will be then gathered unto Him; and thirdly, His coming will destroy the reign of the “man of sin”. Paul here, in my opinion, seems to be speaking of one event (where all these things occur).
Other scriptures to be taken along with this view are: compare Matthew 24:27,29-33 and Revelation 6:12-17; see also Revelation 19:11-15, Zechariah 14:1-9, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57. All of these scriptures taken into consideration, taking all the different details and aspects provided from each, harmonizing them together, will demonstrate what I believe the to be the most scriptural view of the return of Jesus Christ.
***COMING SOON***
What about Calvinism?…
What Translation…
Etc.